Leeds United star hand-picked for title fight ring-walk as world champion visits Thorp Arch

Warrington will look to defend his title against the Mexican fighter at Leeds’ First Direct Arena on December 10, and will be joined in the ring before proceedings begin by Crysencio Summerville. The Dutch forward has scored in each of his last four appearances for the Whites and is currently Leeds’ second-top scorer this season, behind nine-goal Rodrigo Moreno.

Summerville will carry Warrington’s belt into the ring next Saturday, which he will aim to retain by defeating Lopez. Warrington is known to be close to several Leeds players, including Luke Ayling who was ringside at the Leeds-born boxer’s last fight – a seventh round stoppage against Kiko Martinez in which he retained his featherweight title. Earlier this year, Ayling took part in Warrington’s ring-walk for his rematch against Martinez.

The 32-year-old has been pictured at Thorp Arch meeting several players this week, including Ayling, whom he is well-acquainted with, as well as Stuart Dallas, Jack Harrison, Rodrigo Moreno, Adam Forshaw and Summerville, who has been hand-picked for the Leeds native’s ring-walk this time around.

Warrington has won 31 of his 33 professional fights and is fancied by bookmakers as favourite in this latest bout.